Shit We've Read

In this episode, the SWR crew delve into the chilling and evocative world of Trang Thang Tran’s debut horror novel, SHE IS A HAUNTING. Join us as we break down this story of “a Vietnamese American girl visiting her estranged father in Vietnam and the house that doesn't want them to leave”, Laura and Bella each share how they related to the novel’s main character via their experiences of being mixed race, and we praise the book’s more nuanced queer representation than in some other recently read books. Plus, Jason gives us a peek into some of the other spooky titles he’s reading this month. Thanks for listening and Happy Halloween!

Podcast Partner:
Our partner for this episode is Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe?, a fun and creative show where horror writer Dalton Deschain and film critic Dylan Roth are tasked with reviving Universal Pictures’ short-lived Dark Universe of horror movies, pitching each other a new installment in a Marvel-style grand opus featuring classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and more. Perfect for fans of monsters from classic literature, horror movies, and shared universes.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Horror by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this After Dark episode, we’re stepping into the supernatural world of Jillian Graves' titillating monster romance novel, TITAN. Grab a glass of wine, dim the lights, and join us as we discuss such thought-provoking topics as “the world’s worst antibiotic-resistant UTI”, Emma’s aftercare kink, and we finally learn the answer to the question that’s on everybody’s mind: would Jason sleep with a gargoyle?

CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

We’re kicking off spooky season with a paranormal tale of “sisterhood and female defiance— inspired by lives of real teenage twin mediums in the 19th century.” And who better to join us on this episode discussing Amanda Glaze’s historical fantasy debut, THE SECOND DEATH OF EDIE AND VIOLET BOND—set in Sacramento, 1885—than new guest host and Sacramento History Museum tour guide and volunteer, Erin Harris! Listen in as we examine the accuracy of Sacramento landmarks and geography as portrayed in the book, Erin reveals why this book made her think of Long Island Medium, and we choose a side in the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ vs. ‘friends-to-lovers’ trope war. Plus, guess which host described themselves as a “book snob” and which as a “book whore”!

Guest Host:
Erin Harris’ (she/her) shelves are lined with books written by women for women, murder mysteries, dark academia, and the odd memoir. As a corporate girlie, tour guide and volunteer for the Sacramento History Museum, she’s always busy. Erin’s downtime consists of crocheting and hunting for the perfect spot to hang her hammock.

Podcast Partner:
The Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast is your home for the best of science fiction and fantasy—with a twist. Whether you prefer your stories with dragons or aliens, your drinks shaken or stirred, Tipsy Nerds Book Club delivers lively and fun nerdy conversation every month with hosts—scifi and fantasy authors (and proud tipsy nerds)—Natalie Wright and Robyn Dabney. For fans of the SFF genre, Tipsy Nerds Book Club is the perfect antidote to the news-cycle blues.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Celtic Ambiance by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Shit We've Read, we discuss the novella THE MIMICKING OF KNOWN SUCCESSES by Malka Older—a cozy Holmesian murder mystery and sapphic romance, set on Jupiter. Listen in as we examine the balance of sci-fi, mystery, and romance, Jason reveals our Ken's job, Laura compares the story to Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, and more!

Sponsors:
Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order. 

Podcast Partner:
Our partner for this episode is Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe?, a fun and creative show where horror writer Dalton Deschain and film critic Dylan Roth are tasked with reviving Universal Pictures’ short-lived Dark Universe of horror movies, pitching each other a new installment in a Marvel-style grand opus featuring classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and more. Perfect for fans of monsters from classic literature, horror movies, and shared universes.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Discovery by Scott Buckley | https://www.soundcloud.com/scottbuckley
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When we saw that Emma was reading THE DRAGON’S BRIDE by Katee Robert, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to fit in an impromptu After Dark episode. Join us as we discuss the one glaring omission to the variety of sex scenes featured in this book, Bella explains why they prefer a kraken to a dragon, and Emma reveals the worst book she’s read all year.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.

Sponsors:
Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order. 

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this After Dark episode, we discuss Emma’s pick, THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND SAVED A DEMON by Kimberly Lemming; and really, who among us hasn’t found themselves in the same situation? For those keeping score at home, that is now two demon books Emma has chosen. Join us as we reveal if the amount of smut lived up to our expectations, we discuss the author’s interesting use of simile to describe orgasms, and Jason admits to misunderstanding what the main character’s “snack pocket” was. Plus, find out who’s picking our next After Dark pick and what they chose.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.

Sponsors:
Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order. 

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Tavern Loop One by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome to a special Pride Month episode where we rocket into the captivating worlds of Everina Maxwell's queer space opera, WINTER’S ORBIT, alongside our guest host, EmmaSkies! Set in a futuristic system on the brink of political turmoil, Winter's Orbit follows the arranged marriage between Prince Kiem and Count Jainan. As they navigate their new relationship, secrets and conspiracies unravel, challenging their notions of duty, loyalty, and personal freedom.

It’s a book Emma has read before and already loves, so she comes to this discussion with enthusiasm and opinions aplenty! Join us as we analyze the book's tropes and gender systems, Bella makes the sci-fi more complicated than it is, Jason & Emma explain the story of Bigolas Dickolas, and so much more!

It’s an episode filled with love, laughter, and chaotic energy. Happy Pride!

Guest Host:
EmmaSkies is a Twitch streamer, cosplayer, co-host of BYLO Watch podcast, and a huge fan of fantasy books. You can follow her on Twitch, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @EmmaSkies, and her Bookstagram @BiblioSkies.

Sponsor:
Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order. 

Podcast Partner:
The Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast is your home for the best of science fiction and fantasy—with a twist. Whether you prefer your stories with dragons or aliens, your drinks shaken or stirred, Tipsy Nerds Book Club delivers lively and fun nerdy conversation every month with hosts—sci-fi and fantasy authors (and proud tipsy nerds)—Natalie Wright and Robyn Dabney. The first season focused on NPR's Top 100 Science Fiction, Fantasy Books, but the Nerds now focus on more recent titles, movies, and streaming shows. The show has also featured guests such as best-selling authors Hugh Howey, J Todd Scott, and Darynda Jones, as well as Shit We’ve Read’s own Jason Rico. For fans of the SFF genre, Tipsy Nerds Book Club is the perfect antidote to the news-cycle blues.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Signal To Noise by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Get ready to be transported to a world where Greek mythology, urban fantasy, and romance collide as we chat with author Kika Hatzopoulou about her debut novel, THREADS THAT BIND, described by Hatzopoulou as a “fantasy noir about a descendent of the Greek Fates, using her skills to work as a detective in a half-sunken post-apocalyptic city.” Listen in as we unravel the inspirations behind Hatzopoulou's inventive world-building, celebrate the importance of “casual queerness” in stories, learn how her love of the “fated/soul mates trope” has evolved as an adult, and so much more. It was an absolute joy talking to Kika and this interview is not to be missed.

And if you haven’t already picked up your own copy, Threads That Bind is available now!

Other books mentioned by Kika in this episode:

Guest:
Kika Hatzopoulou writes stories for all ages, filled with lore and whimsy. Her debut YA fantasy novel, Threads That Bind, arrives in May 2023 from Razorbill in the US and Puffin in the UK. She is the author of several short stories, including anthologies such as Game On and Firsts and Lasts. She holds an MFA in writing for children from the New School and works in foreign publishing. She currently splits her time between London and her native Greece, where she enjoys urban quests and gastronomical adventures while narrating entire book and movie plots with her partner.

You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @kikahatzopoulou and on her website kikahatzopoulou.com.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Witch By The Sea by Darren-Curtis | https://soundcloud.com/desperate-measurez
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

It’s our first After Dark episode of the new season and trust us when we say it's going to be a wild ride! This month, we discuss the listener-recommended SOUL EATER by Lily Mayne; a story about monsters and human men falling in love in a post-apocalyptic world. Join us for our most chaotic and explicit episode yet, and listen in as we applaud the chemistry between the two MCs, Laura has some questions about male anatomy, and we ponder if there’s a "help me stepbro, I'm stuck" cinematic universe. Plus, find out who’s choosing the next After Dark book.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.

Sponsors:
Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order. 

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back to Shit We've Read! In this Season Three premiere episode, we are excited to discuss Travis Baldree's TikTok sensation, LEGENDS & LATTES—”a cozy, heartwarming slice-of-life fantasy about found families and fresh starts.” Listen in as Laura explains why she has a love/hate relationship with this book, we discuss the difference between coffee and espresso within the context of the story, we play a game of “Does This Common Food Exist in This Universe?”, and more!

So grab a latte, settle in, and join us for a fun and cozy episode to kick off the new season!

Sponsors:
Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order. 

Podcast Partner:
Our partner for this episode is Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe?, a fun and creative show where horror writer Dalton Deschain and film critic Dylan Roth are tasked with reviving Universal Pictures’ short-lived Dark Universe of horror movies, pitching each other a new installment in a Marvel-style grand opus featuring classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and more. Perfect for fans of monsters from classic literature, horror movies, and shared universes.

Connect with SWR
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website
Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact

Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.

Magic Tavern by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/